Footprints lead to arson charge in Manchester day-camp blaze

MANCHESTER - Footprints left in the snow were the undoing for a Manchester man now under arrest for arson, accused of setting fire to a shed last month at Melody Pines Day Camp.

Police followed footprints left in the snow at the Jan. 17 fire scene, across Crystal Lake and to a car parked in a lot at a nearby apartment house at 661 Corning Road. The car, police said, was registered to Christopher Vincent, 35, of 661 Corning Road.

Detective Tim Patterson cast and photographed the footprints which had a distinct pattern to them. Later, he contacted Vincent at his apartment and recovered a pair of sneakers from the attached roof deck. Police said the sneakers matched the footprints in the snow.

Vincent was arrested and charged with arson. He is presently being detained in the New Hampshire State Prison for Men on a parole violation.

The fire heavily damaged a two-story shed, designed to look like a castle, at the day camp, located at 510 Corning Road and caused between $40,000 and $50,000 in damage.

The camp's water skis, tubes, life jackets and other water safety gear were stored in the shed.

In 9th Circuit Court, Manchester District Division, Tuesday morning, Vincent could enter no plea to the felony arson charge at his arraignment so a probable cause hearing was set for Feb. 19.

Police prosecutor Carissa Pelletier successfully sought bail of $25,000 cash/surety for Vincent, saying he was on parole for an arson conviction in Rockingham County.